Wayne Crown, III

Marion Wayne Crown, III

Marion Wayne Crown, III, lovingly known as Wayne, passed from this life on October 1, 2025, at the young age of 21.

Wayne was born on April 29, 2004, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Marion Wayne "Rusty" Crown, Jr. and Cathleen Marie (Tucker) Crown. He grew up in Cleveland, where he made lifelong friends, started school as a kindergartner, and graduated proudly with the Cleveland High School Class of 2022.

While in high school, Wayne spent a semester attending Thunderbird Academy in Pryor, an experience that shaped his determination and strengthened his character. After graduation, he worked in several roles, including at Marc Miller GMC, Horizon Valve in Hominy, and Wild Country Meats, before returning to Thunderbird Academy as a Team Leader. He loved mentoring children who were struggling with mental health and other challenges. His compassion and understanding made him a natural guide for the students at Thunderbird, a program dedicated to helping wayward youth find a new direction in life.

Wayne had a wide range of interests that made him unique and unforgettable. Each school day, he began with breakfast at his Grandma and Grandpa Crown's house before catching the bus-a cherished routine that set the tone for his day. As a boy, he loved westerns, which to him weren't just stories-they were real life. He was rarely without his little chaps and cowboy boots, ready to ride into adventure. He and his Grandpa Eddie spent countless hours playing "cowboys and Indians," with Wayne always choosing the cowboy-and somehow, the cowboys always won. Grandpa Jim also took him fishing, and those peaceful days on the water became some of Wayne's fondest childhood memories.

Wayne was also a true Star Wars fanatic, knowing every story, character, and battle, and delighting in sharing his love for a galaxy far, far away. He carried that playful, adventurous spirit into time spent with his younger cousins, whether shopping, target practicing, or simply making ordinary moments feel special. Some of his happiest memories were with his Great-Grandma Eshleman, playing cars on the living room floor, sneaking out to the porch for a "picnic" with Pepsi and cookies, and then heading back inside for a nap. Those simple, joyful moments shaped a life full of love and laughter.

Faith was central to Wayne's life. He was a devoted member of Western Heights Baptist Church, where he served as the Youth Leader. Starting with only a handful of children, he grew the group to nearly 50 kids through his energy, kindness, and unwavering faith. Wayne had a heart for helping children and those in need, believing deeply that God had given him a gift to guide others through their struggles. He also loved attending Falls Creek Church Camp, where his faith and friendships were strengthened year after year.

Wayne will be deeply missed by his parents, Rusty and Cathleen Crown; his grandmother, Ida James; and a large circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, church family, and friends. He is reunited in heaven with his grandparents, Marion and Margaret Crown, Jim and Mary Tucker, and Edward James.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Western Heights Baptist Church, with David Head officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, Oklahoma, under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in Wayne's honor to the Western Heights Youth Group, a ministry he loved dearly. Donations may be mailed to:
Western Heights Youth Group
P.O. Box 282
Cleveland, OK 74020

Friends and family may visit Wayne's online guest book and memorial page at www.chapman-black.com.

Wayne's time on earth was far too short, but the love, laughter, and light he shared with others will continue to shine in the many lives he touched.